St. Vincent De Paul Catholic Church

St. Vincent de Paul Church is a Catholic church building in Greek Revival style located in the downtown area of Cape Girardeau. The red brick construction with sandstone trim and its prominent tower are the defining features of this architectural landmark.

The original structure from 1838 was destroyed by a tornado, and the current building was constructed in 1853 on the site of Louis Lorimier's former Red House. This location thus represents both early settlement history and the growth of Catholic worship in the area.

The church sits in the heart of downtown, serving as a spiritual center where you notice both long-time parishioners and visitors moving through its wooden pews. The red brick walls and the tower shape the neighborhood's visual identity in a way that reflects the community's religious roots.

The church is open to visitors during service hours and offers regular worship opportunities as well as confession times. Located on Main Street, the building is easily accessed on foot and fits naturally into a walking tour of downtown.

The church tower was struck by lightning twice during its history, leading to repairs that preserved its original architectural style. These incidents reveal how the building has weathered natural forces while maintaining its historic character.

Location: Cape Girardeau

Inception: 1853

Architects: Thomas Waryng Walsh

Architectural style: Greek Revival architecture

GPS coordinates: 37.30080,-89.51950

Latest update: December 14, 2025 16:44